QuoteProject
...When the government goes into the business of destroying trust, it goes into the business of destroying itself.
Arthur Miller
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of trust in governance and how its destruction can lead to the downfall of society.

Arthur Miller's quote reflects the critical role that trust plays in the relationship between the government and its citizens. When a government undermines trust through corruption, lies, or incompetence, it not only alienates its people but ultimately risks its own existence. Trust is foundational to social stability and governance, and its absence can lead to chaos and the erosion of authority.

Themes

TrustGovernmentRelationshipSocietyDestruction

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about political integrity, this quote highlights the consequences of eroding public trust.

More from Arthur Miller

Controlled hysteria is what's required. To exist constantly in a state of controlled hysteria. It's agony. But everyone has agony. The difference is that I try to take my agony home and teach it to sing.
Arthur MillerRead
The word "now" is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks.
Arthur MillerRead
Amos Oz is one of the finest novelists of this entire period. MY MICHAEL is a beautiful work of great depth and in some indescribable way lingers in the mind as a lyric song to his country's people as much as a moving love story.
Arthur MillerRead
Just remember, kid, you can quicker get back a million dollars that was stole than a word that you gave away.
Arthur MillerRead
Oh,Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer.
Arthur MillerRead
The structure of a play is always the story of how the birds came home to roost.
Arthur MillerRead

Similar quotes

I think there is a serious corruption in the idea sold through advertising that you can attain spiritual peace through lifestyle and the notion of building your happiness from the outside-in by acquiring things . . . which if you think about it, is the essence of advertising
Edward NortonRead
The Impossible Generalized Man today is the critic who believes in loving those unworthy of love as well as those worthy -yet believes this only insofar as no personal risk is entailed. Meaning he loves no one, worthy or no. This is what makes him impossible.
Nelson AlgrenRead
But yet I'll make assurance double sure, and take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live.
William ShakespeareRead
The Human Species could have been great but instead we became satisfied with lights on our tennis shoes.
George CarlinRead
I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly.
Anderson CooperRead
A yogi's brain extends from the bottom of the foot to the top of his head
B.K.S. IyengarRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Arthur Miller | QuoteProject